Make these classic, crispy Southern Cheddar Cheese Straws from scratch. They are a flavorful, buttery appetizer perfect for parties or snacks.
Author:oliviarosewood
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:14 min
Total Time:34 min
Yield:About 3 dozen 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg and cold water. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a stiff dough forms. Do not overmix.
Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut the dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 5 inches long. You can twist each strip once or twice for a classic look.
Place the strips on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Transfer the cheese straws to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
Notes
For extra flavor, use a mix of sharp and medium cheddar cheese.
If you prefer a quicker version, use one sheet of store-bought puff pastry, top with shredded cheese and spices, fold, and cut into strips before baking.
These homemade cheese straws freeze well before baking; place frozen strips directly onto a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.